Beware aggressive door-to-door alarm sales

July 13, 2011 at 2:13 a.m.

The Texas Department of Public Safety urges Texas residents to make sure any alarm salesperson, company or installer they hire is licensed.

Historically, some alarm salespeople aggressively marketed their services to residents in municipalities, mainly through door-to-door neighborhood sales, according to a DPS Regulatory Services Division news release. The agency is working with alarm industry trade associations to provide citizens with information regarding licensed companies and individuals.

"Do not accept any other form of identification as proof you are dealing with a licensed salesperson or installer," Bowie said.

Companies and installers must be licensed to operate legally in Texas. That licensing process includes a criminal background check to ensure the public's safety.

To check whether a salesperson or installer is licensed in Texas, visit txdps.state.tx.us/psb/individual/individual_search.aspx. To check whether an alarm company is registered, visit txdps.state.tx.us/psb/company/company_search.aspx.

"Beware of aggressive tactics, or of someone trying to push you into making a decision immediately," Bowie said. "We have had numerous complaints of substandard work and broken promises in these situations."